Bordered gothic moth biology

Bordered gothic moth range

Since the 1960s, the range of this species has undergone a severe decline. It was once widespread in Wales and England south of Yorkshire, but is now believed to be in danger of extinction. In recent years, records have been restricted to South Wales, Portland in Dorset, north Kent and the Breckland of East Anglia, but these have become increasingly infrequent since 1990 (4). It has been recorded throughout Europe and extends eastwards to Russia, Siberia, Japan and Asia Minor (2).

Species with a similar range

Bordered gothic moth habitat

This moth tends to inhabit open calcareous or sandy grassland habitats (4). The foodplant of the caterpillars is not known, but it is thought that the seedpods of bladder campion (Silene vulgaris), soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) and knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare) are likely candidates (2).

Bordered gothic moth status

Bordered gothic moth threats

Bordered gothic moth conservation

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) has identified this species as a priority for conservation action. In addition to maintaining and enhancing all known populations, the plan aims to restore populations to five sites in the former range before 2010 (2). Research into the ecology of this species has been proposed; information resulting from this will hopefully guide suitable habitat management (2).

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